Born on 11th July 1274 at Turnberry Castle on the coast of Ayrshire, Robert Bruce took the crown of Scotland in 1306 and reigned until his death 1329. Recovering his kingdom from Plantagenet subjugation, his accomplishment as a military strategist was clearly demonstrated at the Battle of Bannockburn on 24th June 1314, one of the great military turning points in …
Broomhall House Newsletter January 2024
Our latest newsletter features details about one of the most significant events held at Broomhall – the annual reunion for the Scots Guards Association – involved over 750 people and the appearance of HRH Duke of Kent. Indeed we have continued to raise funds for military veterans and hosted another successful car and aerospace event, The Scottish Torque Show, in aid …
The Bruce family and coronations through the ages (Part Three): to Westminster Abbey and back.
Following the turmoil of the Jacobite rebellion 1745-6, the coronation of King George III in 1761 at Westminster Abbey offered an opportunity for many Scottish noble families to attend and take the oath of allegiance to a new Hanoverian monarch. The Bruce family was represented by Charles 5th Earl of Elgin & 9th Earl of Kincardine. Although the 3rd Earl …
The Bruce Family and coronations through the ages (Part Two): anointing a Danish princess
On Sunday 17th May 1590, a Danish princess was crowned as the newly wedded wife of King James VI at Holyrood Abbey. It was the last time a queen would be crowned in Scotland. Her coronation ceremony was arranged and conducted by the Rev. Robert Bruce, the Minister of St. Giles. Although James and Anne were married the previous November …
The Bruce Family and coronations through the ages (Part One): An enthronement at Scone
On the 25th March 1306 – the Feast of the Annunciation – Robert Bruce was enthroned as King of Scots at Scone Abbey in a ceremony shorn of traditional regalia, principally the Stone of Destiny, which had been seized in 1296 by Edward I and taken to Westminster Abbey. Surrounded by his supporters, and in the presence of four bishops …
The Battle of Byland – King Robert’s forgotten victory
On 14 October 1322, a Scottish army commanded by King Robert the Bruce won a spectacular victory on the heights of Sutton Bank in North Yorkshire, overwhelming their English foes, who thought by commanding the high ground that they would be impregnable from attack. Instead, the Scots outflanked the English and their cavalry, under the command of Walter Stewart, and …
Tales of a Grandfather: the Bruce family and Sir Walter Scott. Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Sir Walter Scott, 15th August 1771.
Among the collection of nineteenth century novels in the library at Broomhall House are three shelves of early editions of works by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). As a writer of historical fiction Scott became the foremost literary figure of his era. Publishing 27 novels over a span of 30 years, he became the first author to enjoy a truly international …
Die Luftschlacht um England – the Battle of Britain eighty years on. A Bruce family recollection
On 10th July 1940 the Luftwaffe unleashed the first of many bombing raids on the British mainland. It was the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces. The battle in the skies over the south of England lasted for 112 days until 31st October when finally the Luftwaffe admitted defeat having lost 1,887 planes and 2,662 aircrew. However, …
The Bruce family and the foundation of Canadian identity.
Canada Day has been held as a national holiday on 1st July since 1867 when the country became a federal self-governing dominion within the British empire. In 1965 Canada adopted a new red and white flag with the maple leaf as the iconic symbol of its nationhood. But the story behind this most recognisable of international flags is closely connected …
A Near Run Thing? The Battle of Bannockburn revisited
The Bruce family has been at the centre of national events in Scotland for over 700 years. Without doubt King Robert the Bruce’s victory over an army led by King Edward II of England, at Bannockburn on 23rd June 1314, is the most notable. Although Robert’s military success was outstanding, he had to endure a further 14 years of war …